After careful consideration, we have decided to delay implementation of the credit card convenience fee in order to provide clarification and sufficient notice to students and their families.

Auburn University is committed to providing an exceptional, accessible and affordable education. We are also committed to keeping tuition and mandatory fees low. To do this, we must reduce operating costs wherever possible.

The fees associated with processing credit card payments continues to grow. A nonrefundable credit card convenience fee, currently 2.85%, is initiated by TouchNet, a third-party payment processor. Auburn has an existing contract with TouchNet to securely and confidentially process e-bill payments made with a credit or debit card. Auburn has been paying this fee, costing the university approximately $3.4 million last year and more than $24 million over the past decade.

This is not a university fee, and Auburn does not receive any portion of the credit card convenience fee. This expense is paid by tuition revenues, reducing the funds available for academic programs and student services. After thorough evaluation, research and deliberation, it was determined that absorbing this cost hinders efforts to advance institutional priorities-which ultimately shortchanges our students.

Beginning December 1, 2019, TouchNet's credit card convenience fee (2.85%) will be added to the cost of any e-bill payment made with a credit or debit card. Families choosing to use credit or debit cards for tuition payments at a majority of private and public colleges, including all SEC institutions, pay convenience fees for the opportunity of using their credit or debit card.

Auburn continues to offer several user-friendly methods of paying tuition for those who choose not to use a credit or debit card, which include check, e-check (aub.ie/Echeck), and cash. These payments carry no additional fees.

We also continue to offer easy alternative ways to pay e-bills in installments to reduce the cash flow burden, including the following:

A deferred payment plan option, available through the university, allows payments in two installments. There are no fees if paid by check or e-check.

A partnership with Tuition Management Systems allows payments to be pre-paid over a 4-month span. There are no additional fees if paid by check or e-check. (Please note, a $45 fee per semester is assessed by TMS.)

Credit Card Convenience Fee FAQ

Why is Auburn University doing this?

The cost of bank merchant fees associated with processing credit/debit card payments for student account payments have previously been absorbed by the University. After careful evaluation and consideration, the University concluded that these fees do not advance the educational value for our students or the overall student experience; therefore, beginning December 1, 2019, the University will no longer absorb the cost of credit/debit card fees for student account payments. However, we do want to continue the convenience of allowing the use of credit and debit cards as payment options.

What's the solution?

Auburn University has contracted with TouchNet PayPath. This is a third party company that processes credit and debit card payments. This allows students and authorized users to pay their eBill account charges, conveniently, online with a credit or debit card. Effective December 1, 2019, students who use a credit or debit card to pay will be charged a 2.85 percent processing fee by TouchNet PayPath.

This is a method of payment in which funds are deducted from your checking account when you enter your routing and account number at the time of payment. You can find this information located on your personal checks, or if you do not have personal checks, you may contact your bank for the information.

Please enter your banking information as shown in the example above.

Routing number will always come first and is exactly 9 digits.

Account number will vary in length. This may appear before or after the check number. Please include any leading zeros, but omit spaces and non-numeric characters.

Check number is not needed - please do not include the check number.

It is important to enter your banking account information accurately or your payment cannot be successfully completed. If you have any questions, please contact your bank. Please DO NOT enter your debit card number.

Is there a method to stretch my payments out?

Yes, there are several options to make e-bill payment installments to reduce the cash flow burden. Tuition Management Systems and Auburn University have partnered to allow students to make payments over a 3 to 4 month period. Visit Tuition Management Systems to learn more or call them at 800-722-4867 (inside the United States).

What are the monthly payment plan options for the fall and spring semesters through TMS?

Fall Semester options:

4 payments beginning June 5th

3 payments beginning July 5th

Spring Semester options:

4 payments beginning October 5th

3 payments beginning November 5th

The Enrollment Fee to use the payment plan is $45.00 per semester. Take advantage of spreading your semester charges over the course of 4, 3 or 2 monthly payments and avoid having to satisfy the bill in one lump sum. These payments can be made by paper check, e-check or credit card/debit card. However, we do not recommend credit/debit card payments as TMS will charge you a convenience fee.

Are there any other payment plan options offered aside from those with TMS?

Yes, the Deferred Payment Plan Option through Auburn University allows students to divide the first bill of the semester into two half payments. Those specific dates are as follows:

Fall semester 2019 first billing date is July 12, 2019 and 50% is due August 09, 2019

Fall semester 2019 second billing date is August 15, 2019 with a balance due September 6, 2019

Spring semester 2020 first billing date is November 14, 2019 and 50% is due December 6, 2019

Spring semester 2020 second billing date is December 12, 2019 and 50% is due January 3, 2020

Is there a way for international students to avoid the credit card convenience fees?

Yes! Auburn University has partnered with Flywire to allow international students to easily make payments. Flywire protects international students from inflated exchange rates by securing wholesale/mid-market rates from their partners and disclosing costs up front. Their transparent process allows students to track their payments in real time online-so they know exactly when their payments are delivered. Visit Flywire for additional information.